What is a key feature of Sydenham chorea?

A key feature of Sydenham chorea is that it is primarily a movement disorder characterized by chorea. Chorea refers to the irregular, non-repetitive, and unpredictable movements that can affect various parts of the body, particularly the face, hands, and feet. This condition usually arises as a delayed neurological complication of rheumatic fever, which often follows a streptococcal throat infection. The involuntary movements seen in Sydenham chorea can significantly impact the patient's daily functioning, and they may also demonstrate emotional lability or behavioral changes.

Other options present symptoms or conditions that do not align with the primary characteristics of Sydenham chorea. For instance, persistent fever and rash are often related to infections or systemic inflammatory conditions. The development of deep vein thrombosis is associated with different risk factors and is not characteristic of chorea. Rapid weight loss and fatigue can occur in a multitude of conditions but are not definitive or specific features of Sydenham chorea. Understanding that chorea is distinctively linked to this movement disorder aids in recognizing symptoms and making a diagnosis in clinical practice.